Before You Build in Chicago, IL: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Chicago allows open fences up to 10 feet; solid fences up to 8 feet. Backyard fences over 5 feet may require a permit. No specific front or side yard height limits in MCC.

Illinois has no residential shared fence cost statute. Each property owner is responsible for their own fence. Agricultural boundary fencing has separate rules.

Chicago regulates retaining walls through the Chicago Building Code (Title 14B) and the Zoning Ordinance (Title 17). Retaining walls over 4 feet require a building permit and engineered plans.

Chicago requires all private residential swimming pools to be completely enclosed by a fence at least 5 feet high under Chicago Building Code Section 18-29-1204.8. This exceeds the Illinois state minimum of 42 inches.

Chicago requires a building permit for any fence over 5 feet in height. Fences at or below 5 feet that conform to zoning do not require a permit. Routine maintenance like painting or replacing damaged elements is exempt.

Above-ground pools in Chicago with a water depth greater than 48 inches are classified as private residential swimming pools and must comply with Chicago Building Code 18-29-1204.8, including the 5-foot perimeter fence requirement and building permit.

Hot tubs and spas in Chicago are generally regulated under the same private residential swimming pool provisions of the Chicago Building Code when water depth exceeds 48 inches. Smaller hot tubs may not require permits but must comply with electrical code requirements.

Chicago Municipal Code Section 18-29-1204.8 requires all private residential swimming pools to be completely enclosed by a 5-foot fence of minimum #9 gauge corrosion-resistant woven wire mesh, with self-closing and self-latching gates.

Chicago requires a plan-based building permit for all private residential swimming pools. Plans must be prepared by a licensed architect or structural engineer. Pools may only operate June 1 through September 15.

Chicago restricts private residential pool use to June 1 through September 15, and hours of 8 AM to 10 PM. A skilled swimmer must be present during use. No diving boards over 3 feet above water. Pools must be drained and covered when not in season.

Chicago ADU Ordinance: permanent program effective April 1, 2026 citywide (with aldermanic opt-in for single-family RS zones). Pilot program active in 5 zones since 2021. Coach houses up to 1,200 sq ft.

Chicago authorizes garage conversions to coach houses (detached ADUs) and conversion units (attic/basement ADUs) under the Additional Dwelling Unit Ordinance. The pilot ordinance (effective May 2021) was made permanent and city-wide by Ordinance SO2024-0008918, which the City Council passed 46-0 on September 25, 2025, with permits accepted starting April 1, 2026. ADUs are now allowed in single-family zones within the original pilot areas plus all multifamily zones citywide (except downtown).

Sheds and accessory structures require Chicago Building Code permit. MCC Title 13 governs. Setback and size requirements per zoning. Contact Chicago Dept of Buildings.

Carports in Chicago are regulated as accessory structures under the Zoning Ordinance (Title 17, Section 17-9-0200). They must comply with setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for the applicable zoning district.

Chicago does not have specific tiny home regulations. Tiny homes on foundations are treated as standard dwelling units under the Building Code and Zoning Ordinance. The recently adopted ADU ordinance provides a pathway for accessory dwelling units but does not specifically address tiny homes on wheels.

Portable fire pits may be used at single-family homes in Chicago. Subject to Chicago Fire Code (Title 15 MCC) requirements and CFD guidance. No burning of refuse.

Open burning prohibited in Chicago per MCC and Illinois EPA (415 ILCS 5). Recreational fires in approved containers may be allowed at single-family homes. No burning during air quality alerts.

Chicago Department of Water Management enforces water conservation guidelines for lawn and landscape irrigation. Weekday watering is subject to restrictions, while weekends and holidays have no restrictions. The city encourages stormwater capture for reuse in irrigation under Chapter 11-18.

Chicago protects parkway trees under MCC Chapter 10-32 and requires permits for removal of city trees. Private tree removal on private property is generally unregulated, but trees in the parkway (public right-of-way) are city property managed by the Bureau of Forestry.

Chicago Municipal Code requires property owners to trim all trees so no limb extends below 6 feet above the ground. The Chicago Landscape Ordinance also regulates tree planting and maintenance for new development and major renovations.